There was an accident involving a train in Dexter, New Mexico on June 17, 2024. During the incident, a train crashed into an 18-wheeler near State Highway 2 and Lincoln Avenue. The driver of the 18-wheeler was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Additional details have not yet been released.
Crashes between 18-wheelers and trains are catastrophic events that can result from a variety of factors, including driver error, mechanical failures, and inadequate infrastructure. One of the primary causes of such collisions is the failure of the truck driver to observe and heed railroad crossing signals. Inattention, distraction, or misjudgment of the speed and distance of an oncoming train can lead to the driver attempting to cross the tracks when it is unsafe to do so. Additionally, unfamiliarity with the route or poor visibility due to weather conditions or time of day can contribute to the driver not recognizing the crossing in time.
Mechanical failures of either the truck or the train can also precipitate these dangerous crashes. For example, a malfunctioning truck brake system could prevent the driver from stopping in time at a railroad crossing, or a mechanical issue with the truck’s engine could cause it to stall on the tracks. Similarly, failures in the train’s signaling system, such as non-functioning crossing gates or warning lights, could fail to alert the truck driver to the approaching train. Regular maintenance and thorough inspections of both trucks and railway systems are critical to preventing such mechanical failures and ensuring the safe operation of both vehicles.
Infrastructure deficiencies at railroad crossings are another significant factor that can lead to crashes between 18-wheelers and trains. Many crossings lack adequate safety features such as gates, lights, and alarms that warn of an approaching train. Even when these features are present, poor road conditions, unclear signage, or obstructed views due to overgrown vegetation or other obstacles can make it difficult for truck drivers to see and react to an oncoming train. Upgrading and maintaining infrastructure at railroad crossings is essential to enhance safety and reduce the likelihood of collisions.
Lastly, the sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers present unique challenges when navigating railroad crossings. The stopping distance for a fully loaded truck is significantly greater than that of smaller vehicles, and the logistics of maneuvering such a large vehicle across the tracks require more time and space. If a truck becomes stuck or is unable to clear the tracks quickly enough, the risk of a collision with an oncoming train increases dramatically. Proper training for truck drivers on how to safely approach and cross railroad tracks, combined with adherence to regulations that require stopping and checking for trains, can help mitigate this risk and prevent such devastating crashes.
Tragically, there have been a number of recent accidents involving trains. There was an accident between an 18-wheeler and a train in Gulfport, Mississippi on February 20, 2024. There was an accident between an Amtrak train and vehicle in Durham, North Carolina on March 14, 2024. A freight train derailed and caught fire near Lupton, Arizona on April 26, 2024. There was an accident involving a train in Jersey Village, Texas on June 4, 2024.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have previously handled multiple cases involving train accidents. Our attorneys have the experience and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or been seriously injured in an accident involving a train or commercial vehicle. The experienced accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was involved in an accident involving a train. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.